The ANNIKA 2025, driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club, is set to unfold from November 13 in Belleair, Florida. It would continue till November 16. And this time, the spotlight has already been fixed on the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, Kai Trump. Kai has just qualified for her first LPGA tournament. And since this update has hit the headlines, curiosity has been rising high surrounding her entry to the Annika.

The 18-year-old youngster was given one of three sponsor exemptions to play in the tournament. Players who didn’t automatically qualify are given these exempted spots. The other invitations went to Lauryn Nguyen, who graduated from Northwestern University, and Anne-Sterre den Dunnen, who is a senior at Wake Forest University. Trump’s invitation came specifically from the host of the event, the Pelican Golf Club.

Right after Trump was announced for the tournament, Annika Sorenstam stated, “I support it. We are all about growing the game, especially to young girls. She has a bright future and is committed to the University of Miami to play next year. Kai has a tremendous social media following, which we feel will help elevate our event and ultimately the game.” And Kai Trump has indeed given enough reasons for the legend to share such a take.

Trump has nearly 9 million followers across her social media handles on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X. With a follower count of 2.5 million on Instagram and 1.35 million on her YouTube channel, the teenage phenom would definitely raise the stakes of the tournament. 

She currently holds the rank of 461 in the Rolex AJGA rankings and stands at number 1,288 under the Junior Golf Scoreboard. Former junior prodigy Allan Kournikova, the younger brother of tennis icon Anna Kournikova, would be the Caddie for the teenage star. Last year, at the 2024 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, Kai Trump marked a noteworthy start. And her interest in the sport finds its roots in none other than the POTUS.

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Kai Trump opens up about golf, family bond, and her grandfather’s influence

Kai Trump has always been fascinated by golf. And thanks to her grandfather, President Donald Trump, Kai has access to more than one state-of-the-art golf course with modern amenities. Now, while she will be stepping into the LPGA realm, the US President’s granddaughter revealed some surprising secrets about her relationship with the POTUS. Kai pointed out how Trump, too, enjoys playing golf with her. However, she also said that the US President always tries to play mind games with Kai. Unfortunately, none of his tricks are successful as Kai proudly declared, she is a Trump too!

Back in July 2024, Kai Trump made her first public appearance at the Republican National Convention. Sharing details about her relationship with her grandfather, Kai cited the POTUS as a ‘normal grandpa.’ “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa,” she said. “He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking. He always wants to know how we’re doing in school.” And she did not stop there. The soon-to-be LPGA golfer also addressed her grandfather as her ‘inspiration.’

“A lot of people have put my grandpa through hell, and he’s still standing,” Kai continued. “Grandpa, you are such an inspiration, and I love you. The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person, but I know him for who he is.” Thus, it is evident that Donald Trump has had a lot of influence in shaping Kai Trump’s career. And as she looks forward to her very first professional experience, it remains to be seen how she fares on her debut.